Erla Marie McKinnon

ERLA MARIE MCKINNON, daughter of the late Eliza Beatrice Jackson and William McKinnon, was born on July 30, 1919 in New York City, New York. She was the only child born to this union. On the wings of the angels, the Lord called her home to eternal rest on Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Mrs. Erla McKinnon's early childhood was directed by strong religious training which became the backbone of her commitment to her family, friends, co-workers, community and Baltimore City. She was a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party. Personally, she was a dedicated member of St. James' Episcopal Church where she virtually attended every Sunday. She was known to have given her thoughts to the priest while he was delivering his sermon. Erla graduated from Fredrick Douglas High School in 1938. Following high school, she attended Coppin State College (as it was named at that time) and obtained her B.S. Degree in Elementary Education. Her appetite for more education lead her to New York University where she received a M.A. Degree in Elementary Education. Her graduate work included sociology and and guidance counseling at Morgan State College, University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, Towson State College, and numerous in-service trainings. Erla loved to teach elementary classes. She was often heard to say "These children are entering their formative years. So, we need to shape their minds." Erla retired as a guidance counselor in July, 1977 after thirty-five years of service in the Baltimore City Public School System. She was later appointed to the School Board for five years. During Erla's sixty-plus years of membership to St. James' Episcopal Church, she served in many ministries. These included: St. Martha Guild, the Vestry, the Search Committee, Chairman of the Food Bank and Outreach where clothing and food was donated to those who were in need. Her membership in the Food Bank was invaluable. Erla founded the Outreach Ministry over thirty years ago and remained an active member. Erla gave her time and talent generously to the many ministries she served. The community lauded over Erla's efforts for reaching the unattainable. In an effort to enrich the minds of women, she became a Charter Member of Woman Power, Inc. Some of the other organizations include: Baltimore City Police Community Relations Committee, Commissioner of Urban Services Agency, Greater Mondawmin Neighborhood Association, and The New Ashburton Neighborhood Association. Erla treasured the time spent with her best girlfriends and family members celebrating birthdays, retirement and traveling. Her great pleasure came from traveling by bus, plane and cruising to various destinations. Yes, she was a "Lady on the Move." The first Sunday in August, the Homecoming Service at the New Ridgeway United Methodist Church in Pittsville, VA, was an annual trip she never missed. She let no one or anything interfere with this trip because she was "going home." During her illness, the many acts of kindness from her family and friends served as a testament to her generous and loving spirit. Erla's presence and influence will be greatly missed. If you happen to travel through the 2400 block of Longwood Street, look for the sign that reads "Erla McKinnon Way". This was one of her proud moments. Left to cherish her memory are: her sister, Pearl Robertson; brother, Edwin Haynes (Pearl); sister-in-law, Betty; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Tributes

Erla Marie McKinnon

July 30, 1919 - May 17, 2017